Learn the U.S. Web Design System basics, how to get started with the design system, and what’s coming next for USWDS in 2025.
Blogs
Government teams are improving digital experiences every day. Gain insights from their stories, case studies, and innovations.
Rebuilding CDC.gov
Learn how the CDC.gov team used a bold “Clean Slate” approach to reimagine the site and meet real user needs.
Reduce, remove, remediate: PDFs and government websites
In a recent governmentwide community discussion, we shared tips to remediate the use of PDFs on government websites, focusing on balancing needs, choosing formats, starting fixes, and ensuring documents are accessible for everyone.
Designing a multilingual future: A conversation with Laura Godfrey
On the eve of her retirement, Laura Godfrey reflects on multilingualism and equitable access to government information.
FY 24 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment
The FY 2024 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment highlights progress and ongoing challenges in federal digital accessibility efforts. This assessment provides key findings on governmentwide accessibility maturity and actionable recommendations. The recommendations include stronger enforcement of 508 standards, increased resourcing, and integrating accessibility into the technology lifecycle to enhance compliance and access for all.— via General Services Administration
The U.S. Web Design System team is joined by the Federal Website Standards team to share more about the standards, their origin, the research backing them, and what standards are coming next.
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2024
Making government text messaging more effective with Notify.gov
To improve access to government services, GSA launched Notify.gov, a notification tool that sends text message reminders about government services and benefits programs. This service aims to ensure families receive the right information at the right time on the government services they use.— via General Services Administration
Approaching language translations to provide a better user experience: A Login.gov case study
Learn how the Login.gov team improved translations and added a new language to enhance their service.
Driving Digital Transformation Across Government for Lasting Impact
Digital promotes effective, usable federal services that enhance public trust in government. Over the past four years, the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO) has laid the groundwork for a modern, secure, and user-friendly federal government. From advancing cybersecurity to forging global partnerships and streamlining IT investments, these efforts have improved how millions interact with government services.— via The White House
How we measure the success of coaching engagements
18F measures the success of coaching by tracking the progress of first-time product owners. Through self-assessments and ongoing support, they focused on developing key skills such as product discovery and vendor management. This approach allowed them to visibly track growth and ensure agency partners were empowered to lead their technology modernization projects with confidence.— via 18F
18F project defaults
18F collaborated on 31 government digital service projects in 2024, including the IRS Direct File Pilot and Notify.gov. To streamline processes, they shared five default templates for other project teams to adopt and improve efficiency and transparency on their own projects.— via 18F
Navigating digital acquisitions
Learn the best practices for agile acquisitions—from building and buying solutions, to overcoming common roadblocks.
The U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) team will share their vision for the design system as a product, including USWDS Web Components and other new things the team expects to deliver in 2025.
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2024
TTS made a lasting impact with civic tech in FY24
The Technology Transformation Services (TTS) made significant strides to prioritize and improve federal digital services in FY 2024. From expanding Login.gov to over 72 million users, launching tools like Notify.gov, or redesigning Vote.gov in 19 languages, explore how TTS continues to set the standard for impactful civic tech innovation.— via General Services Administration
Ensuring Effective and Timely Usability Research
Usability reflects how easily a user can accomplish their goals while using a product or service. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has issued new guidance to streamline usability testing for federal forms, websites, and services, helping agencies conduct usability tests in a more quick and efficient manner that is consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). By enabling faster, more effective testing, OIRA aims to enhance public interactions with the government and ensure equitable access to federal resources.— via The White House
Publishing federal sales data: how we used design studios and user testing to develop a user-centered dataset
The Open Data, Design, and Development team at the Office of Natural Resource and Revenue (ONRR) successfully added federal sales data to the Natural Resources Revenue Data (NRRD) platform using design studios and user testing to create a user-centered dataset. By involving subject matter experts and refining prototypes through feedback, the team delivered the project ahead of schedule while meeting user needs. Future plans included additional usability testing and expanding stakeholder engagement.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Crafting quality content throughout its lifecycle
Learn about the life cycle of content, how content comes across to the user, and how to develop a content management strategy.
Transition Post 3: Managing Electronic Messages and Social Media Accounts
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) released a new blog on the management of federal records and transitions for federal agencies. Shedding light on the usage of agency-managed communication platforms and social media accounts, agencies are given instructions on how to best comply with the requirements outlined in the Federal Records Act.— via National Archives and Records Administration
Three ways to write fearless spreadsheet formulas
Spreadsheet formulas can be intimidating, especially given their critical role in government operations. Applying simple programming principles, 18F created a resource for making formulas clearer, easier to read, and less error-prone. 18F introduces three key techniques: using the LET function to name variables and organize code logically, adding comments to clarify complex formulas, and leveraging the LAMBDA function to break down problems into manageable parts. Together, these methods transform spreadsheets from sources of anxiety into tools of clarity and confidence.— via 18F
You’ve launched, now what? Planning for the future of your content
Creating quality digital content is not a one-time endeavor. Explore these approaches to managing and improving excellent digital content over time.
